BUCKHURST 198 FOR 4
SHOREHAM 92 FOR 3 (MATCH ABANDONED)

Skipper Bromfield was shocked, he actually won the toss and elected to field. Whilst the opposition padded up he mustard his troops into a semi circle and hit the ball to them for catching practice (may I suggest someone else wealds the bat next week to give the skipper some practice).The Buckhurst innings got of to a bad start with an early breakthrough for Steve (1 for 36) with Mark Mcdonald taking a sharpe catch at silly mid off with the score on 5. Roy Axtell coming in at no 3 had a lucky escape being dropped in the slips by Pat Barrett , he went on to make 41 before being bowled by Sean Bromfield (1 for 44 ). Ed walker ( 1 for 24) picked up the other opener Riley (24). Julius Marshall (54) coming in at 4 set about the bowling living a charmed life being dropped by Steve, Ed and Sean, before being claimed by Jack Rivett ( 1 for 29) caught and bowled. Sharpe 40 n.o and Leppard 28 pushed the score on enabling Buckhurst to declare at tea on 198 for 4. kumar had arranged tea, which turned out to be a magnificent feast of chicken curry ,chicken tikka .samosas ect which players and spectators tucked into with relish.

The Shoreham innings got off to a steady start with the first wicket falling, that of Alex Haysler (4) when the score was on 23 . The second wicket of Steve Gear (1) fell with the score on 35. Mark Mcdonald (33) and Sean Bromfield (37 no ) pushed the score along in a 56 partnership for the third wicket despite the inclement weather. With the home side set on 92 for 3 and set to push for victory the persistent rain got heavier and the game had to be abandoned.

- Ray

Friday 22nd August

• Carmine – Irish sister duo playing contemporary Irish/Folk

Saturday 30th August

• Raglan Road – Celtic/Folk Trio (back by popular demand)

Friday 5th September

• Rat Pack/Swing Night – with Aiden Kent

Saturday 27th September

• Karaoke Night

Soon after we arrived at Speldhurst it started to rain. Then we lost the toss and were put into bat. Then we found out that Pete had used up the last of the bog roll, and a few members of the team started to look a little anxious.

Nick Walker Jr and Sree Kokkiligadda opened for Shoreham, and scored steadily against the new ball. Sree was eventually caught on 23, which brought the fresh-faced Peter Wright into the game. Pete and Nick had just begun to accelerate when Nick was caught on 31. Pete got the only half-century (with the bat) for Shoreham, reaching 57 before being deceived by a ball which kept low – although this doesn’t excuse your shot selection Pete!

We needed a strong finish if we were to post a decent total, so there was pressure on our next man in to force some runs. Unfortunately, Phil Edge’s batting looked a little tipsy, and was bowled before he could unleash the beast. Andy Monteith and James Trick then had a good partnership to get us to around the 200 mark. And after James was caught on 36 (ruining his average), a fired up Mark McDonald, egged on by his admirers, bashed a quick-fire 13no to compliment Andy’s 28no, and elevate our inning’s total to 226 for 5 (including 32 extras).

The weather was starting to dry up in time for the home side’s innings after tea. Ed Walker opened the bowling for Shoreham, and produced two ‘entertaining’ overs, before being removed from the action to reflect on his performance (and finish digesting his tea) at fine-leg. At this point I would like to add that the ball itself was in dire condition after the rain from earlier on – although this didn’t seem to hold back James Trick (9-31-3), who picked up the vital wickets of Speldhurst’s top three batsmen, bringing Shoreham right back into the game. Pete Wright (9-33-0) did a good job with the ball for no reward, before Ed was given a chance to redeem himself – and ended with figures of 9 overs for 50 runs and 2 wickets. Ed’s half-century (off his own bowling) should have secured him this week’s JABA, but I’ve just noticed that Mr Sree went for 26 from his 3 overs, so I’m not sure who deserves it the most now…

Renton (37), Roche (34) and Booth (35) all fell just as they were getting going, which meant that Speldhurst were always chasing the game. Three catches from James, two from Mark, and one from Phil made the difference for Shoreham, as did some exemplary fielding from the sprightly Nick Walker. John Dinnis (the wise farmer) bowled aggressively, shattering Spelhurst’s lower order, ending with 4 wickets from his 7.2 overs for 28. And Sandy Clark’s two overs at the end were enough for him to pick up a wicket for only 9 runs. Speldhurst were all out for 181 in the last over of the game, leaving Shoreham victorious for their 13th game in a row.

After a beer with the opposition, the majority of the team met up with the 2nds in The Geroge, before an elite squad of youthful players (and Mark McDonald) embarked upon an evening of heaviness in Sevenoaks. Now I won’t go into any details, but here are some words that should paint a picture of the night for you: wolves, tequila, antibiotics, vodka, pitchers, mouthwash, head-butts, broken hearts, pebble-dashed, Batman.

- Ed

As background to the most extraordinary feature of this game it is necessary to know that Nick Walker (snr) has been complaining about the amount of fielding that he has had to do, relative to the amount of batting and bowling that he has been given. Today he was picked for the second XI, who were very happy to have his talents at their disposal. But read on…

Halstead won the toss and elected to bat. Fielding first suited us well because we knew that we had a Linda Trick tea to look forward to: the kind that makes it difficult to run afterwards..

Shoreham took the field with ten men and what turned out to be a hologram of Nick Walker. It looked like Nick – the same boyish smile, the same long-striding walk, the floppy hat, the glasses – but anything solid (for example, a cricket ball) went straight through him.

Shoreham’s opening bowlers made the most of overcast conditions, getting the ball to swing and seam. The pitch was also providing variable bounce, so life was difficult for the batsmen. The other non-holograms supported the bowlers very well, particularly James Asplin, who (appropriately) has made the JAFA his own, closely followed by George Rivett, who threw himself around with great commitment, saving at least three boundaries with sliding stops.

Montie and Brad were bowled through: Montie conceding just eight runs in nine overs and Brad taking 3 for 26 in his nine. Alex, replacing Montie, then took a wicket with his first ball, and at the other end the King Of Spin was introduced to the attack.

At drinks, Halstead stood at 47 for 4, but after the break they came out fighting.

Ray was distracted – for one reason or another – by the arrival of his wife, carrying a plate of sandwiches, and conceded the first six of the innings. Shortly afterwards, as play was interrupted by rain, Ray led the charge towards the pavilion. Resuming ten minutes later, with some crumbs still adhering to his moustache, Ray proceeded to work his way through Halstead’s middle order (whether as dessert or hors d’oeuvre was not clear). Ray took four wickets – the finest of which was a sharp, one handed, return catch. Montie had meanwhile cunningly disguised himself as the Nick Walker hologram by putting on a sun hat and glasses. Two of Halstead’s batsmen fell into this trap: chipping the ball confidently in his direction and being amazed to find themselves walking off.

Halstead’s number 7, Dan Weston, began to strike some lusty blows but then hobbled to a halt with what seemed like a painful hamstring problem. Not long after, he became one of the victims of the Ray / Nick-Walker-hologram-look-alike combination. Kenny Cowan, batting at nine, was the only other Halstead player to reach 20.

When Alex (9-0-39-1) and Ray (9-1-34-4) completed their spells, Captain Brown called on the Rivett brothers to take an end each. George clinched our third bowling point in the final over, and the ten men of Halstead finished on 141 all out.

When everyone was focused on their tea, Sarah and Bea Walker arrived, dragging a large case that contained something that seemed to be mumbling and struggling, which they deposited in the changing room. A little later, the holographic Nick walked into the changing room; there was some banging and cursing and a strange light shone from the window. Then, Nick strode out again, pulling on his batting gloves with a very self-satisfied expression.

(The real) Nick and Ray opened the batting, and put on a well-paced 83 for the first wicket. Ray was eventually bowled on 30, whilst Nick proceeded to his half century with a series of elegant drives, before he miscued and was caught at mid off, for 51.

Ray was replaced by Alex and Nick was succeeded by Paul. They regularly despatched Halstead’s first change bowlers to the boundary. Alex scored an undefeated 22 and Paul an undefeated 21.

We ran out comfortable winners, with ten overs to spare and just two wickets down, so for once we made it to the George before the first team!

- Wyn

The weather was glorious as Shoreham’s finest took to the field on Saturday afternoon.  George Rivett was loitering around the boundary, watching on as his neighbour and chaperone, Ed Walker (7-32-0), hurled the ball down from the pavilion end for a tight seven over spell.  James Trick (8-13-0) bowled even more tightly at the top end, but neither could make the breakthrough.  Halstead’s opening pair of Brooker (30) and Smout (24) put on 52 before Shoreham’s secret weapon (and lucky mascot), Harry, turned up at the ground (late – as punishment for not going to bed when he was told to the night before), signaling the beginning of the end for Halstead.  Harry’s Dad got Shoreham’s first wicket the moment the little man arrived, and from then on wickets came regularly for Shoreham.  Bob Stacey’s turn and Sandy Clark’s wobble ripped through Halstead, after their patient start; Bob picking up 4 wickets from his 9 overs for 33, and Sandy getting 5 wickets from his 5.4 overs for 29 – match winning bowling which guaranteed two jugs already at the pub (as Bob got a run-out off his own bowling also).  Only Barclay (38) made any more signifant runs for Halstead, as they were bowled out for 143 from 35.4 overs.  Sree Kokkiligadda (4-22-0) and Nick Walker Sr (2-11-0) also contributed with the ball, but less than 15 overs of bowling from Bob and Sandy did the job for Shoreham. Oh yeah, and only 1 bye got past the joker behind the stumps.

Sree Kokkiligadda and Andy Monteith opened our batting after tea, and perhaps it was the tea that accounted for Andy being caught LBW first ball.  Either way, this brought the in-form Nick Walker Jr to the crease, and he and Sree started to assert themselves.  Sree, unfortunately, was caught on 14 just as he was getting going, which meant that we were 33 for 2 when Phil Edge entered the arena.  Phil and Nick saw off Halstead’s openers with a few suspiciously quiet overs, then when the change bowlers came on they suddenly went up a few gears.  Nick chose to only run 9 of the 63 runs he acquired, the rest of course being boundaries (very lazy of you Nick); and Phil was just as bad, only running 8 of his 56 runs, which included 4 sixes and several lost balls.  Nick and Phil saw Shoreham home within 30 overs to the delight of the rest of the team, who knew they now had all the more time to enjoy the four jugs that the day’s game had produced!  A worthy effort.

- Ed

Sunday team win in Soaring Shoreham Heat

After the confidence building draw against local rivals Otford, Shoreham were back on home turf and with the sun beating down most were looking forward to batting first and having a relaxing snooze in the afternoon sun (RAY)

The skipper had other ideas and looking at the strength of the bowling attack decided the team needed to top up on their tans !!

The opening bowlers soon got in there groove with J Bromfield returning from the Magaluf sun, looking whiter than when he left and no pedalo incidents to report, bowled a tight spell of 5 over for 21 runs !! his opener partner the Russell Smith also bowled tightly and got the initial breakthrough with the score at 33-1 with a clean bowled out-swinging Yorker !!! A JAFFA of a ball!!!

With the heat taking its toll and the need to keep his bowlers fresh after 10 overs the skipper changed the bowlers with another class act of E Walker and Steve (Kumars mate), they also bowled tightly for little reward as the experienced Horton Kirby line-up soaked up the pressure. At the 20 over mark the score was only 70 as the Shoreham opening pairs had done a great job under the extreme heat.

With the need to open the game up the skipper turned to the spin wizardry of Rupert Harris and George Rivett !! both bowled with great guile and discipline and George managed to make the magic break through with the score on 126 with a regulation catch for A.Haysler who did a great job behind the stumps !!

With the spinners looking tired, the captain turned back to the pace duo of Steve and Smith !! they did not disappoint the impressive Steve got the tough opener A. Scott for 59 and in the process broke the NEW BAILS !! SORRY MARTIN !!
Russell Smith wrapped up the impressive bowling display with a great catch in the deep by J. Bromfield

The final total for Horton Kirby was 188-4, on another day this could have easily been 250 !! great display and bowling from the boys !!

After an extensive Haysler Tea

Shoreham got off to the worst possible start losing the experienced Ray Trick for a Duck, and the captain struggling to score.

It took Steve to take the innings straight into top gear by hitting 3 fours and a six off his first 4 Shoreham balls, which must surely be a record !! the quickfire batting didn’t last long and he was cleaned bowled in the 5th over of the match, Shoreham already looking shaky at 21-2.

Bringing the impressive Rupert Harris to the wicket, and his clever nurdles to 3rd man quickly frustrated the bowlers but excited the ever growing Shoreham crowd basking in the evening sun !!

Unfortunately for Rupert he was bowled by a seaming ball for 32 !! The Captain only contributing 9 to the partnership as he was finding it hard to get the ball off the square.

With the score at 65-3, and a draw looking the most likely result given the sudden batting collapses that have been a constant feature of the Sunday team this season, but fortunately it was not to be.

Ed Walker finally got past 10 for the Sunday team and didn’t look back scoring a season best 61 Not out including 11 4′s and the skipper also found his form putting the Horton Kirby bowlers to the sword and hit a impressive 66 Not Out.

It must be acknowledged that Bromfield and Walker rode their luck but ultimately made Horton Kirby pay for their mistakes with a great 134 Run partnership !!

So a well deserved first victory for the Sunday team !!

Great batting and bowling from the Guys !!!

Man of the Match:

THE TEAM !! great effort in the heat

As always if you fancy a game please email me

- Sean